Ampalaya Health Benefits As Herbal Medicine
Ampalaya or bitter melon is a herbal plant popular for its bitter taste but contain medicinal properties and numerous health benefits to the body.
Bitter melon or known as ampalaya in the Philippines has a scientific name of “Momordica Charantia.” This vegetable usually grows in tropical countries in Asia such as the Philippines. It belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae which originated in India and later introduced to China in the 14th century.
Its fruit has green flesh and has pointed ends at length. It has a wide range of varieties that has differences in shape and from the bitterness of each variety. Ampalaya has crunch flesh, watery texture, and also contains seeds.
Momordica is commonly used in cooking as an ingredient in some vegetable dishes. Aside from culinary purposes, ampalaya also contains numerous minerals and vitamins that are beneficial to the body. Ampalaya is also an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, folic acid, iron, vitamins A, B, and C.
This vegetable is very popular worldwide in treating diabetes for it contains compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids. It has a high medicinal value that can help to treat and prevent some serious diseases. This mixture helps the body to produce more insulin which controls the blood sugar levels of a diabetic person.
Research and studies worldwide proved the benefits of bitter melon on the body’s health. This vegetable was also considered by Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative in treating certain diseases including skin disease, liver problems, HIV, diabetes, and other ailments.
It can relieve headaches, good for rheumatism and gout, treat hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, and sure several types of cancer. It disinfect burns and heals a wound, boost the immune system, fight infections, reduce blood pressure, and good for the liver.
Bitter melon has also antibacterial, antipyretic, parasiticide, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
